January 16, 2026 – A recent incident report details a concerning malfunction involving an INIU “Version 2022” power bank purchased from Amazon. The device reportedly overheated, began smoking, and melted while actively charging a mobile phone, raising significant safety alarms for consumers using similar portable charging devices.
Product Details
Incident Overview
The incident occurred on December 29, 2025, when an INIU “Version 2022” power bank was being used to charge a mobile phone. According to the report, the power bank began to heat up excessively during this routine operation. The situation quickly escalated as the device started to emit smoke, indicating an internal thermal event. Subsequently, the power bank began to melt, suggesting a significant internal failure and high temperatures. The report does not specify if the phone being charged was damaged, or if any injuries or further property damage occurred beyond the power bank itself.
Safety Concerns
The overheating, smoking, and melting of a power bank present severe safety concerns for consumers:
- Immediate Dangers:
* Fire Hazard: The most immediate and critical risk is the potential for fire. Excessive heat and melting indicate a thermal runaway, which can quickly ignite nearby flammable materials, leading to house fires or vehicle fires.
* Burn Hazard: Direct contact with an overheating or melting power bank can cause severe thermal burns to hands, skin, or other body parts.
* Smoke Inhalation: The smoke emitted from a burning or melting device can contain toxic fumes and particulates, posing a respiratory hazard, especially in enclosed spaces.
- Long-Term Risks: While not directly indicated in this incident, prolonged exposure to faulty electronics or the byproducts of their malfunction (like residual fumes or contaminated surfaces) could theoretically pose health risks, though immediate fire and burn risks are paramount.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone using an INIU “Version 2022” power bank, or similar portable charging devices, could be at risk. This includes individuals at home, in offices, while traveling, or in educational settings where these devices are commonly used. Children and vulnerable individuals may be particularly at risk if they encounter a malfunctioning device.
- Property Damage Potential: Beyond the device itself, the incident highlights a high potential for significant property damage. A fire ignited by an overheating power bank can spread rapidly, destroying furniture, electronics, and potentially entire homes or vehicles. Even without a full-blown fire, melting plastic and smoke can cause irreparable damage to surfaces and electronics.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own an INIU “Version 2022” power bank or any similar portable charging device, here are critical steps to take:
- Immediate Steps to Take: If your power bank shows signs of overheating, swelling, smoking, or melting, immediately and carefully disconnect it from any charging source and any device it is charging. Move it to a safe, non-flammable outdoor location, away from anything combustible. Do NOT attempt to cool it with water if it is actively burning, as this can exacerbate issues with lithium-ion batteries.
- How to Check if You Own the Affected Product: Verify the brand and model of your power bank. Look for “INIU” and “Version 2022” on the device itself or its packaging. If you are unsure, check your purchase records.
- Prevention Measures:
* Always charge power banks on a non-flammable surface, away from anything that could easily catch fire.
* Never leave charging power banks unattended for extended periods, especially overnight or when you are not home.
* Avoid overcharging or fully discharging lithium-ion batteries; follow manufacturer guidelines.
* Do not use power banks that appear damaged, swollen, or unusually hot to the touch.
* Use only the charging cables and adapters provided by the manufacturer or reputable third-party brands specifically designed for your device.
- Reporting Procedures: If you experience a similar incident with a power bank or any other product, report it immediately to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov. Your report helps identify dangerous products and prevent future incidents.
Manufacturer’s Response
The incident report indicates that the manufacturer, INIU, has provided a response to this incident. Consumers experiencing similar issues are encouraged to contact INIU directly for support and information regarding their product.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.